Shillong, Mar 29: The Meghalaya High Court has directed the state authorities to file their responses within 10 days in connection with a comprehensive report relating to de-addiction centres and OST centres in the state, which has a huge number of drug users.

“Before we pass any order on this, we direct the respondent authorities to file their response within 10 days,” the division bench which comprised of Chief Justice, Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice HS Thangkhiew said in an order passed on Thursday, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) chairperson, M. Kharkongor.

In compliance to the order passed on March 13, the Amicus Curiae had inspected the de-addiction centres and Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centres and submitted a comprehensive report regarding actual facts along with some recommendations.

“We are really dismayed about the ground reality which learned Amicus Curiae has taken note of and brought to the notice of this Court in his detailed report,” the bench said.

It has also given liberty to the authorities concerned to take all necessary action whatever required for prevention and for making de-addiction centres more effective.

“Furthermore, to take measures as shall be necessary for avoiding unfortunate situation regarding use of drug as highlighted in the report,” the order further stated.

In its affidavit filed on Thursday, the joint secretary for Social Welfare Department informed that the Task Force Committee report (regarding the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction-NAPDDR) was sent to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment on March 20.

It was also informed that the Government of India has sanctioned Rs 22,50,000 for the years 2018 to 2023 to undertake programmes for preventive education and awareness generation capacity building and specific intervention programme on drug demand reduction.

In addition, a detailed action plan under NAPDDR has been prepared which Social Welfare Department has forwarded to the Government of India for release of remaining 50% fund, the joint secretary stated in the affidavit.

The bench however directed the Social Welfare Department to clarify whether the sanction and release of Rs 22,50,000 has been utilized for the purpose or not.